viramune for the 1st treatment. is that OK? help me

[Pek]

I wrote another topic about my combo before did my research on forum. Now I found that viramune is not suggested for the 1st treatment. Why? Is that really toxic? many side-effects? Is that easy to create rejection or complications fighting against the disease?
Thanks

[joemutt]

http://www.aidsmeds.com/archive/Viramune_1616.shtml

I have been on viramune without any trouble, but as this would be your first line of treatment precautions are necessary; read the information in the link and talk to your doctor.

[eric48]

Now I found that viramune is not suggested for the 1st treatment. ..

Yes, it is, in many countries/continents. Miilions of people are taking (or have been) it safely.

It is not the one of choice in some cases that are fully detailed. Some people can not initiate treatment on Viramune: if VL is > 100.000 or CD4 > 400 (male; 250, female) and initiation needs a 2 weeks heads ups with one pill before going with 2 pills. So , in that respect, is is a lesser 'universal' , one-fit-all drug.

You will need carefull supervision at initiation, that's all.

Adverse events are at the same time quite severe and VERY rare

I try to keep patients info on Viramune (and Kivexa) here:
http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=33062.0

hope this helps

Eric

[J.R.E.]

Hi,..

I  have been on Viramune, since October of 2003. It is one of the first drugs I was placed on, and I am still on. I have no problems with it.

Are they still suggesting only a 200mg per day for 14 days, and the the regular dose thereafter.

This is from the lessons:

"Taking Viramune is a two-step process, because starting at the full dose increases the chance of developing a serious rash. For the first two weeks (14 days) of treatment, the dose is one 200mg immediate-release tablet taken once a day. Two weeks after starting treatment, the dose of Viramune is increased to 400mg each day: people may take either one 400mg Viramune XR tablet once a day or one 200mg tablet twice a day. Following this schedule—which you should do under your doctor's guidance—can reduce the chance of developing a rash or other side effects.